Ashington boy Archie back on his feet after US op - VIDEO

GINGERLY getting to his feet after the surgery which will transform his future, Archie Anderson is starting to walk tall.

Archie Anderson with his mum and dad, Marie and Allan. Inset; Archie after the op

GINGERLY getting to his feet after the surgery which will transform his future, Archie Anderson is starting to walk tall.

The schoolboy, who has cerebral palsy, is through the worst after undergoing the second of two gruelling operations in Missouri, America – and a cheeky smile is returning to his face.

Now the six-year-old is looking to the months and years ahead as he learns how to take steps again.

The region has pulled together to support the Ashington youngster and give him a chance of playing out like any other boy.

The second operation last Tuesday – called selective dorsal rhizotomy – saw doctors complete their work reinforcing Archie’s legs.

He is now busy building his strength up with his mum Marie, 40, and St Louis Children’s Hospital’s physiotherapists.

Marie said: “His second operation knocked him back a bit, but he is taking his little steps again.

“He has got proper splints on and he is wearing them most of the night now.

“Hopefully, we will be taking his plasters off soon.

“The second operation was not half as painful. Now we have got to build up his strength in his left hip, so we are concentrating on post-operative exercises.

“He has been doing some boxing and trying to get his balance by walking small steps.

“He is really enjoying the boxing. He’s just looking forward to playing with his friends soon.”

The operation came after a fundraising mission which has seen kind folk find £80,000 for the youngster. The cash will secure Archie’s future care and mean he can get the right treatment as he continues to get well.

Heather Slowey, a family friend, said: “Archie has been discharged from hospital but will continue to have daily physiotherapy at the hospital where the team of therapists are working with him and his family to continue to strengthen his legs.

“He couldn’t wait to get back to his hotel to see his mam and four-month old baby sister, Ava Mae, and gave her lots of hugs and kisses, although he is missing his grandad Ken very much, who is back in the UK, and can’t wait to see him again in a little over two weeks.

“Archie is still in a lot of pain in his back, but they have been reassured that this should improve over the next few days.”

Archie and his family are due back in the North East later this month.

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